Mr. Brandon looked disappointed. He had thought the new boat would prove a second bonanza, and he was already considering whether he could find another purchaser for it.
"Have you made much money this mornin', Grit?" next inquired Brandon, changing the conversation.
"I decline to tell you," answered Grit shortly.
"Grit, you don't seem to reflect that I am your stepfather, and set in authority over you."
"I am not very likely to forget that I have a stepfather I am ashamed of," said Grit.
"This is unkind, Grit," said Brandon, in a voice tremulous with maudlin sentiment. "Because I've been unfortunate, and have been shut out from all enjoyment for five years, you mock and insult me when I get home and pine for domestic happiness."
"If you would behave decently, you wouldn't be reminded of the past," said Grit. "But how is it? You haven't been home but twenty-four hours, and have already borrowed all the money mother had, and have sold my boat, to gratify your taste for rum. There may be more contemptible men in the world, but I never met with one."
"Grit, if you talk to me in that way," said Brandon, with attempted dignity, "I shall be under the necessity of flogging you."
"You'd better not try it, Mr. Brandon. I wouldn't stand still while you were doing it. I promise you that."
Just then two gentlemen came down to Phil's pier, and one asked: